Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/NYC Health and Hospitals (Elmhurst) Program

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers a comprehensive Gastroenterology fellowship program located at Elmhurst, which is a part of NYC Health + Hospitals. This institution serves a diverse community in Queens, known for its cultural richness and significant immigrant population. Residents in this program embark on a journey that combines rigorous clinical training with ample opportunities to engage with a wide patient population, providing a unique educational experience that is not only clinically enriching but socially impactful.

Training Environment

Elmhurst Hospital is a 545-bed capacity city hospital designated as a Level I Trauma Center, allowing residents to encounter diverse clinical cases, strengthening their diagnostic and clinical skills. The environment is characterized by a close connection to the community it serves, allowing residents to interact directly with patients from varied backgrounds, many of whom face barriers to accessing medical care. This aspect significantly enriches the training experience, exposing residents to clinical pathology that is often extraordinary and broad in scope, ensuring that they are well-prepared for future practice.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship follows a structured curriculum that integrates inpatient and outpatient experiences seamlessly through a 6+2 rotation schedule—six weeks of inpatient rotations followed by two weeks of ambulatory care. This schedule promotes in-depth exposure to both settings. The inpatient experience covers various areas, including general medical floors, medical step-down units, and critical care units, ensuring balanced training in high-acuity environments. There is a robust didactic component that emphasizes case-based learning and interactive sessions with attending physicians, providing real-time feedback which significantly enhances the learning process 1.

In the outpatient setting, fellow continuity clinics are held in patient-centered medical homes, allowing residents to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers and clinical pharmacists. The ambulatory curriculum covers essential areas such as Quality Improvement, Evidence-Based Medicine, and medical interviewing, underscoring the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded and proficient clinicians 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents have access to extensive research opportunities, which are supported by the Elmhurst Research Consortium. The program encourages participation in clinical research, offering mentorship and resources for fellows to get involved in scholarly activities 1. This commitment to research enables trainees to not only apply clinical knowledge but to also contribute to the advancement of medical science.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is noted for its mentorship approach, extending support from before residency to after graduation. Mentorship is seen as a foundational component, facilitating professional growth and networking essential for career development. This culture fosters long-lasting professional relationships among residents and faculty alike 1.

Visa Support and Residency Competitiveness

The fellowship program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates or IMG residents seeking to advance their training in the United States 1. The program's application process is competitive; it does not set a minimum requirement for USMLE or COMLEX scores but does favor applicants with passing scores on their first attempt. A maximum of one failed attempt is allowed, and candidates should have clinical experience within the last two years 1. The program accepts applications from those graduating from medical school within the last five years, thus remaining inclusive of a diverse range of applicants.

Applicant Requirements

Applications to the program are made through the ERAS, requiring the following documents: a common application form, medical school transcript, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and transcripts from USMLE/COMLEX exams when applicable 2. Interviews are competitively granted, and applicants are notified via email.

Resident Benefits and Living Arrangements

Residents enjoy competitive salaries, a meal stipend, paid vacation, and extended leave options. Additional financial support for educational endeavors is provided, allowing fellows to pursue board certifications and relevant conferences 1. The location of Elmhurst offers residents not only professional fulfillment but also the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City. Residents have a variety of housing options, close to the hospital, and enjoy a rich array of culinary experiences and community events, enhancing both their personal and professional lives.